We're Alive: Descendants - Chapter 15 - Valley of the Shadow of Death - Part 2 of 3

Coach, the energy out there felt different.

What changed for the team today?

It was the new game day scratchers from the California Lottery.

Play is everything.

Those games sent the team's energy through the roof.

Are you saying it was the off-field play that made the difference on the field?

Hey, a little play makes your day, and today it made the game.

That's all for now.

Coach, one more question: play the new Los Angeles Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, and Los Angeles Rams Scratchers from the California Lottery.

A little play can make your day.

Please play responsibly, must be 18 years or older to purchase play or claim.

We're Alive.

Descendants.

Written and directed by KC Weyland.

Chapter 15

Valley of the Shadow of Death.

Part 2 of 3.

I'm related to all these people.

Well, only those on the Blackburn pages, and maybe a few cousins.

The other other households and ours have some intermarriage, but most are an entirely different bloodline.

There's so many pages.

Careful with the book.

We have to protect this family tree above all else.

It's the only place that has a record of everyone.

This alone?

Wow.

I guess it makes sense.

Like the old CIA rosters.

Exactly.

You know your history.

Started young.

You know, mom.

Some of these names have black instead of Blackburn.

One of the surnames that has become more prominent in our family tree.

Some have changed over time.

There are multiple now in each household as they grow further from the founder's lineage.

But not yours and mine.

We're on this page.

Lawrence Blackburn, Stanley Blackburn, Sarah Blackburn.

Grandparents, great-grandparents, tracing all the way back to Mary Beth.

You know, when we were first established, she was part of a culprit.

You mentioned them before.

Who were they?

Washington's spies.

Like the Washington?

George Washington had spies.

Uh-huh.

Her accomplices were eventually found out years later.

But never Mary Beth Blackburn.

Not only was she the beginning of our individual household, but she was the one who brought each family together at the start.

No one was like her.

She taught the families the covert ways, our household's specialty, and we strive to carry on that tradition.

It's weird to see so many people related to me when the only family I've ever known is my mother.

And this is where you will go.

You have a sister?

Oh.

Had.

Even the best training in the world can't always save you.

Like her, many didn't survive the outbreak in 2009.

So much change for us on that day.

It fractured the family.

A good portion decided not to return.

Decided?

Many family members broke off contact while we were trying to reorganize.

How do you know they're not dead?

We still have a network for coded messages that can be received by members.

See, they all have a unique identifier listed here next to their names in the family tree.

It's how we always stayed in contact, even after the outbreak.

I can see how many out there have received our dispatch.

Quite a few members decided not to respond and to remain anonymous.

Family outsiders.

Why do you think that is?

We all have had to adjust to this new world.

Maybe they think there isn't much much reason for the families anymore.

What do you think?

Well, if I didn't believe in us, I wouldn't be here.

The only chance we have to live on is by working together.

No one person can go it alone, especially now.

You seem to be doing just fine here.

This is only a fragment of what we once were.

And with so many members losing faith, forgetting who we are, even falling away, I'm concerned what that might grow into.

One of the reasons I I was worried about you.

Me?

Why would I matter?

When Fingers said you were royalty, she meant it.

According to the family rules after me,

you are next in line.

I'm not even one of you, yet.

And why would anyone care?

A member can only move up in the family a few different ways.

Gain power and authority through tasks, like I did.

Voted in by governing families, or inherit the role after someone dies.

Me, having an heir, could pose a threat to others.

You're saying I should be worried about other members?

I thought the families worked together.

You told me I'd be safe here.

And you are.

But I do have a growing concern about those who have a distorted view of what it means to be part of the family, who may be using their connections and skills for their own personal gain.

Together, we have always maintained a balance.

Apart,

that is what I fear the most.

You don't want to mention any of this while Nick and the others were still here?

I told them what they needed to know.

Uh-huh.

And how many active members are here now?

I've only seen associates in these halls.

No one else.

Kind of makes me feel like you're making all of this up.

Maybe you've been alone in this huge house for too long.

There's about 30 of us here.

Some you will meet once your training begins.

They mostly keep to themselves in the west and east wing.

You won't have access to those areas until you officially get a ring.

Another 50 or so are out there in the field, including the ones you already know.

What about the others you haven't heard back from?

Those outsiders or whatever.

How many of those?

There are about 200.

More than there are active?

And what are they doing?

Well, I don't know.

Another thing that worries me.

What if they're just trying to live their lives away from all of this?

Could be.

But in the past, when some members acted alone, it hasn't always ended well.

It is my hope that eventually we might be able to bring some back into the fold and

what the hell.

Wait, it's just Nakoma.

Vera!

Stop right there!

I'll take care of this.

Everyone, get back.

What?

What are you doing?

She's gonna kill me!

Rules are rules.

You can't be serious.

I only left this morning, but you came back.

Sir, she was spying on us from a nearby building.

Why did you do that, Nakoma?

After I let you leave, did Nick stay?

No, they kept going.

I was the only one who turned around.

I didn't trust these people.

Obviously, I made the right choice.

Sir,

I can't give you clemency again.

Wait, why?

You aren't going to.

I'm gonna do what must be done.

Wait, wait, wait.

Damn it.

I didn't want to, but I have to.

You heard him.

Shh.

Wait.

Oh.

I told you this was dangerous.

So is this.

Please, don't.

Oh, man.

Put it down.

Put it down.

I'm warning you.

Put it down right now.

No.

Fine.

Don't.

Dad.

Vera.

You hurt her.

I leave.

Really?

Fingers has been poisoned.

At this point, I pretty much have to.

Those darts only incapacitate temporarily.

Fingers will be fine.

She doesn't look fine.

I was just defending myself.

She came at me first.

But you returned here after I explicitly said not to.

We have rules.

There are other people staying here who aren't members.

Those associates.

She wouldn't qualify.

Wait.

What about the other exception for non-family members staying?

You said it yourself.

I did.

When?

You were talking to Nick.

You said there were allowances for trainers with special skills.

Her?

You're joking.

You don't know me.

Look what her darts can do.

She has some that can even bring down the biggest infected.

I haven't heard of anyone else that could do that.

Not to the degree that she does.

What if she showed you how it's done?

What?

Shh!

This dart was non-lethal?

Do you have ones that can kill?

Yes.

You should see what the red ones do.

Or I should say you don't want to.

Nakoma can tell you how they work.

Oh, can I?

Is it possible to reproduce?

Can you make more darts?

It is, and I can, but only with some very rare toxins.

And I'm guessing only you know where those are.

Yes.

But why would I ever want to tell you?

Do you understand what the alternative is right now?

The position you are in?

You are not giving me a choice in this.

It's hers, really.

You have my word.

Just like that?

Nakoma!

Are you not seeing how serious they are?

Listen to me, okay?

Okay.

I can't guarantee that Fingers there will be happy.

But you can stay, unharmed, confined to quarters with Vera unless told otherwise.

That's fine.

This is it, Vera.

No more favors.

Understood.

Send up an associate from the infirmary to retrieve Fingers.

Milk reduces the effects.

She needs milk, apparently.

Now, if you wouldn't mind, hand over your darts and tube, or whatever that is.

I would, actually.

Really?

This piece is important to me.

You'll get it back, but I can't have you walking around with it.

Now, come on, fine.

We'll talk more once I have our armorer take a look at this.

Farah,

she's your responsibility.

Well, shit.

Follow me.

So you're speaking for me now.

You're lucky I spoke up at all.

Only had to because you decided to come back.

Why did you?

I spent a lot of time under the boar, and this seems strangely familiar.

I had this handled.

Now I have to give up my darts and how I make them.

Do you have any idea how bad that is?

Considering I've already been on the receiving end of those, uh, twice?

No, why don't you tell me?

If I do this, I am giving these shady people one hell of a weapon.

Do you know what could happen with those darts in the wrong hands?

If you stayed with Nick, this wouldn't have been an issue.

No, he would have stayed too if he didn't have other shit to deal with.

He trusts that I know what I'm doing.

You should have too.

You just made made things worse.

I guarantee that Fingers is not gonna be happy when she recovers.

Whatever.

I'll just dart her again.

With what darts?

And I doubt that move will work a second time.

Mm-hmm.

Damn.

These are your dicks.

You are a princess, huh?

Take the couch.

I'll be in my room.

Very wait.

I...

What is it now?

You're sorry for the arenas or worried about me?

You've said it all before.

Why do you even care?

Because I do.

I have a hard time believing there isn't something else you want out of this.

A back deal you're waiting to pay off, or some angle you're working on.

It will take some time to rebuild trust.

I get that.

If ever, bridges that are burned can't be rebuilt.

Pretty sure that's not true.

If you had some concrete, steel, and plans, you know?

Okay, then.

Well, I could be stuck somewhere a lot worse.

Maybe she's right.

What the hell am I even doing here?

Descendants will continue after a word from our sponsors.

Coach, the energy out there felt different.

What changed for the team today?

It was the new game day scratchers from the California Lottery.

Play is everything.

Those games sent the team's energy through the roof.

Are you saying it was the off-field play that made the difference on the field?

Hey, a little play makes your day, and today it made the game.

That's all for now.

Coach, one more question.

Play the new Los Angeles Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, and Los Angeles Rams Scratchers from the California Lottery.

A little play can make your day.

Please play responsibly, must be 18 years or older to purchase, play, or claim.

And now, we continue with descendants.

There they are.

Dot,

do you see Gloria?

She must be up at the front.

Oh man, they all look so exhausted.

Gloria!

Gloria!

I see her!

Did I hear her right?

Making some progress.

Looks like she knows your name now, too.

Grant.

Still can say mine as well.

Welcome back.

You did it?

You blew the rocks up at the pass?

Right onto their lead tank.

Didn't see any make it through while I was in view.

Hopefully that'll buy us enough time.

Good, because the access elevator to the Atlas is just ahead.

We're almost to the stable.

Hey, you alright?

Yeah, you look a little roughed up.

Dot?

It's nothing.

I'm fine.

Just a few scratches and a headache.

The explosion was close.

I was lucky to get away.

Well, you made it happen.

That's what's important.

Tot.

Kids.

Ran into some infected, too.

That's what she's trying to say.

Some messed up ones, meant to look like kids, even dressed the same as them.

Oh my.

What?

He's real.

He's one of us.

Can they please ride in the truck?

My legs are just so

tired.

I'm sorry.

It's overflowing with injured with all the fallouts.

There's no more room.

I'm.

I'm sorry.

Please.

Oh,

the horse?

Uh-huh.

Alright.

Alright.

I'm getting off.

Is it friendly?

Uh-huh.

What's his name?

Demon.

You?

Gus.

Hey, I'll help you up, okay, Gus?

Well, I think that's the most words out of you I've heard yet, Dot.

Hey, there's no rush.

You do you, alright?

You've been really trying, I can tell.

Dot.

You okay up there, buddy?

Yeah, I think so.

But I don't know how to ride.

Honestly, neither did I.

Demon here did most of the work.

Just hold on to the rope.

Okay, this is so much better than walking.

Whoa!

Demon!

Slow down!

Done?

It'll be fine.

It'll give Demon a little rest.

That kid weighs nothing compared to us, and only has to carry him a little further to the Atlas.

You know, I was doing a sort of informal count of everyone here, and we have maybe 2,000 people.

You sure we can fit everyone in this missile silo?

The Atlas is a squadron of silos, so yes, but it'll still be pretty damn tight.

We can move large groups into the silo dome and the farms, and then spread everyone else out into the remaining rooms.

Hmm.

And we get down there through that elevator that you mentioned.

How big is that?

How many can we fit?

The lift in the stable can only take maybe 20 to 30 at a time, and that's if we jam-pack everyone in.

And there's only one elevator.

Yep.

30 people at once.

How long does it take to go down?

Took like two minutes when we were on it.

So, four there and back.

That's gonna take a considerable amount of time just to get everyone below.

Yeah, and especially if we don't want to be followed.

We have tracks to consider, and that's a lot of footprints.

And yeah, that's right.

Oh boy.

Gloria, check your scope.

Shit, the Boers people have made it to the valley.

And they're definitely gonna see where we're going.

Damn it!

Not to mention it'll take hours to get everyone down there through the elevator.

The Atlas wouldn't be safe anymore.

Shhh.

Shit.

Yeah, you can say that again.

There's gotta be a way.

Set up more snipers to hold them off.

The trucks could just drive around the shooters.

There's no choke points.

It's all open desert out here.

Yeah.

I don't know if I have an answer, kid.

Then we came all this way for nothing.

What will the boar do when she catches up?

Should we just consider giving ourselves up?

No.

I'm just being realistic here.

Save what lives we can, live to fight another day.

We have come too far.

Even if we could get some of us into the Atlas to arm ourselves, the others would panic and try to do the same.

No one would be safe.

And then the boar would take my atlas and everything in it.

We need to think of something and fast.

Got

I'm sorry.

I may be too exhausted, but I'm just not seeing it.

Should we

stop everyone or what about the town?

The one my dad crashed in.

It's close by, right?

Hackberry?

Could we make it there?

I mean, there's a chance we could.

What about the infected?

That town is completely cleared out.

Nothing lives there.

I made sure of that.

You want to set up a defense there?

Something along those lines.

But we don't have enough ammo and weapons left to defend ourselves against all the boar has.

All we really need to do is buy more time.

We don't have much of that either.

Can these people even make it?

Yeah.

It's this or nothing.

Everyone, gather around.

I know you're tired.

You've all been walking for days.

We only need to go a little farther.

Push hard, one last time.

We just have to make it to that town over there.

I thought we were going somewhere safe.

And we're gonna get you there, eventually.

But the boar and her people have made it to the valley.

We have to be smart about this.

She's bringing tanks and mounted guns with her.

Then we're fucking dead.

Why keep walking?

Better work for her than not live at all.

Was that really much of a life?

Hell no.

Exactly.

You can't give up now.

Not when we're this close.

What?

If you turn around and go back to the boar, sure, she may let you live.

But for how long?

If you thought it was rough under her before, damn sure she would find a way to make it a hell of a lot worse now.

Go back, and I guarantee that for every day you can live after this, you'll regret never taking the chance to actually turn things around on her.

Come with me, and I promise, not only will she never be able to lay a hand on you, we're gonna make sure that she will never be able to to anyone ever again.

We will force the board to play our game, and this time, we're making the rules.

But the only way this will work is if we make it to Hackberry before they do.

Can you push with me one last time?

Come on!

All right, let's do this.

I'm right behind.

Alex.

Well, I'm convinced.

You got a plan, I take it?

Uh-huh.

It's a bit risky, but

if this works,

the boar will be finished.

Now,

we have any of those radios left?

Look at them all scattering into the town.

It's not going to matter.

Should we go in and flush everyone out?

Wait to see what the boar says.

Oh, Jesus Christ.

Too much for you, Seal?

Come on, man up.

How easy for you to say.

You didn't get shot with a damn arrow by some French chick.

Man, I'm lucky to be alive.

Where are they?

Jackal, why did you stop?

Ma'am, they went to hide in the city up ahead.

What'd the map say it was?

Hackberry?

They've been on foot for like two days.

They aren't gonna put up much of a fight.

It's not that big of a town.

We just need to go in there and drag them out.

Or they're setting up traps again.

Those assholes on the horse knew exactly what they were doing.

Hmm.

Maybe.

They have nowhere to go.

They're cornered.

But it'll be better for us if we force them to come out on their own.

Line up our gun trucks and tanks.

Surround the town.

No one escapes this time.

All heavies, form a perimeter around Hackberry.

Remember, we need these people to come back alive.

But losses are acceptable.

They need to learn this can't happen again.

Oh, what is that?

Oh, shit.

A trap?

Out here?

How did they have time for that?

There, a little black box in the sand.

Up ahead.

It's what's beeping, that's for sure.

Go check it out then.

Me?

But but no, but but but like Jacko said, what if it's a trap?

Then you'll know very quickly, won't you?

Well, hold on now, I ain't gonna

you question me, Seal

after you screwed up and let the others out of the stadium.

I was shot with an arrow.

What do you expect of me?

Joe, listen now, go.

Oh

shit,

what is it?

I can't tell.

Something in the dirt?

I don't see no wires or nothing.

I'm tired of waiting.

It's the radio.

It's the radio.

They took a bunch of ours.

This one of them?

Pick it up.

Seems safe.

Ain't no triggers or nothing.

Obviously, they want to talk.

Answer it.

Hello?

I want to speak with the boar.

Who is this?

Who do you think, dumbass?

It's one of them.

Is she there with you?

Ma'am?

Bring it here.

But you hold it.

I don't trust what they might try.

Oh, gee, thanks.

You get your expendable, right?

I am seeing that.

Hello?

Is she with you?

Press the button.

That depends.

Who is this?

So you did come out here.

Thought you might have stayed back in your little penthouse.

Why don't we cut the bullshit?

My animals have you surrounded.

If you surrender now, there'll be no repercussions.

I will even go so far as to bring back buses, so nobody has to go any further on foot.

But that's only if you come out now.

We're not surrendering, ever.

What do you expect to do in there?

Wait me out?

That's not going to happen.

I don't think you understand the situation.

No, I don't think you do.

All that walking.

I bet my workers can't even stand up straight.

Whatever munitions you stole from Prim must be running out, and I doubt that town has any food or water.

And that's even if I would let you wait this out.

We're not leaving.

Do you understand how this will end?

How many lives are going to be needlessly wasted?

So many have already been lost.

Why would you want to add any more?

This is your last chance.

Come out of the city with your hands up.

Well,

what about a counteroffer?

Oh, this is going to be rich.

We're bartering now?

You think you're in a position for that?

Fine.

Indulge me.

You're speaking for everyone?

What do you want?

Better working conditions?

More food?

Improve the camps?

I'm open to considerations.

Really, ma'am?

What do you think?

Go home.

Take your tanks and animals, whatever the fuck you brought with you, and go back to Prim.

Leave now, and we'll let you live.

Well, ain't that something?

You have got to be kidding.

This is a joke, right?

You're not holding any cards right now.

You have nothing.

What are these assholes doing?

There's no way they could put up a fight.

You're right, ma'am.

They got nothing left.

Why don't you come in here and find out?

They're only trying to lure you in.

I know.

That's not going to happen.

Off and pop all you want, little piggy.

You're not getting in.

Bartering is over.

Shell them.

Fire the tanks into the buildings.

They need to know we mean business.

As I said, casualties are acceptable.

Heavies!

Prepare to fire on the town.

Really?

Come on, man.

Big mistake.

You had your chance.

Fire.

To be continued in the next episode of We're Alive Descendants

And now a word from our sponsors

You've been listening to We're Alive

Descendants Produced by Wayland Productions.

Written and directed by KC Weyland.

Starring Hodgin Cho as Vera.

Christy Carlson-Romano as Gloria.

Vanessa Bourne as Nacoma.

Austin Trace as Alex.

Briarly as Don.

Joe Souza as Oliver.

Alita Lachey as Fingers.

Leonard Kelly Young as Conductor Grant.

Augie Wayland as Gus.

Charlotte Evelyn Williams as Phyllis.

William Leon as Jackal.

Jackal.

Gigi DiSavo as the boar.

Brandon Burns as Seal.

And I'm Michael Swann.

Additional voices by Phil Mieto.

Masaka Malimba.

Shannon Zimmerman.

Hero Carlisle.

Amy Newman.

Eric Daves.

DJ Hughes.

Produced by Casey Whaland.

Editing and sound design by Casey Wayland.

Additional editing by Ryan Liu.

Trailer editing by Vicki Lucas.

Post-production supervisor, Casey Weyland.

Original music by Robert Mai.

Theme music by Danny Berkhoff-Hopkins.

Score assistance by Evan Tamani.

Recording and Engineering by Wayland Productions.

Sound Engineering by Gino Jang and Victoria Cheng.

Script supervisors Gino Jang, Aaron Reardon, Kelsey Hughes, and Lynn Michaela.

Audio production manager Dimitri Keogh.

Associate Producers Jace Oly, Mistress Zeneka, Raul Miller, John Grills, Mandy Armand, and Christophe Laputka.

Co-produced by Rusty Quill.

Executive Producer, Alexander J.

Newell.

Chief Marketing Officer, Callum Dougherty.

Marketing Assistant, Hattie Quinlan.

Network Liaison, Tom Park.

Thank you to the following Kickstarter backers.

Carter Small, DeHabiton Wilson, Michael Patterson, Glorie Polymenikas, and Doug Wixton.

For more info about the show and a complete list of cast and crew, visit us at www.we'alive.com.

Access exclusive content and lore on our Patreon and follow us on social media for regular updates.

Special thanks to our patrons and Kickstarter backers for making this series possible.

This has been A Theater for the Mind by Wayland Productions.

Coach, the energy out there felt different.

What changed for the team today?

It was the new game day, Scratchers, from the California Lottery.

Play is everything.

Those games sent the team's energy through the roof.

Are you saying it was the off-field play that made the difference on the field?

Hey, a little play makes your day, and today it made the game.

That's all for now.

Coach, one more question.

Play the new Los Angeles Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, and Los Angeles Rams Scratchers from the California Lottery.

A little play can make your day.

Please play responsibly must be 18 years or older to purchase, play, or claim.